Joe Montana's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Joe Montana.

Joe Montana, nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "The Comeback Kid", is a Hall of Fame quarterback who played 16 seasons in the NFL. Primarily known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers, Montana led the team to four Super Bowl victories and earned three Super Bowl MVP awards. He holds Super Bowl records for most passes without an interception and highest passer rating. Before his NFL career, he won a national championship with Notre Dame. He finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them to their first AFC Championship Game appearance. Montana is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Notre Dame Wins National Championship

In 1966, Notre Dame, coached by Ara Parseghian, won the NCAA national championship, setting the stage for a successful football program that would later recruit Joe Montana.

1972: Miami Dolphins Undefeated Season

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins finished the NFL season with no losses, although the regular season at the time only consisted of 14 games.

1973: WPIAL Class AAA Basketball Championship

In 1973, Joe Montana helped Ringgold High School win the WPIAL Class AAA boys' basketball championship and was named an all-state player.

1973: Notre Dame Wins National Championship

In 1973, Notre Dame, coached by Ara Parseghian, won the NCAA national championship, marking another significant achievement for the program before Joe Montana's arrival.

January 1, 1979: "Chicken Soup Game" in the Cotton Bowl

On January 1, 1979, Joe Montana led Notre Dame to a remarkable 35-34 comeback victory against Houston in the Cotton Bowl, later known as the "Chicken Soup Game". Suffering from hypothermia, he was revived with warmed intravenous fluids, blankets, and chicken soup before leading the Irish to three touchdowns in the final eight minutes.

December 7, 1980: First Fourth Quarter Comeback Victory

On December 7, 1980, Joe Montana led his first fourth quarter comeback victory in the NFL against the New Orleans Saints, tying the game after being down 35-7 at halftime and ultimately winning 38-35 in overtime.

1980: Passing Statistics

In 1980, despite a 6-10 record for the 49ers, Joe Montana passed for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also completed a league-leading 64.5 percent of his passes.

1981: Highest Passer Rating in the NFC

In 1981, Joe Montana achieved the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC), showcasing his early success as a quarterback.

1981: Starting Quarterback and Successful Season

In 1981, Joe Montana started the season as the 49ers' quarterback, contributing to the team's successful 13-3 regular season record, which included two fourth-quarter comebacks led by Montana.

January 10, 1982: NFC Championship Game: "The Catch"

On January 10, 1982, Joe Montana led the San Francisco 49ers to a 28-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game. With 4:54 left and down 27-21, Montana drove the team down the field, culminating in "The Catch," a game-tying touchdown pass to Dwight Clark with 51 seconds remaining.

1982: Prolific Season Despite Strike

In 1982, Joe Montana had a prolific season, throwing for 2,613 yards and 17 touchdowns in a season shortened to nine games due to a players' strike. He set an NFL record with five consecutive 300-yard passing games.

1983: Successful Season and Playoff Game Victory

In 1983, Joe Montana threw for 3,910 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the 49ers to a 10-6 record and first place in the NFC West. In the divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Montana completed a game-winning touchdown pass to Freddie Solomon with 1:23 remaining.

1984: 15-1 Regular Season Record

In 1984, Joe Montana and the 49ers finished the NFL season with a 15-1 record, becoming the first team to win 15 games in a single regular season.

1984: Highest Passer Rating in the NFC

In 1984, Joe Montana had the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC), continuing his run of strong performances.

1985: Highest Passer Rating in the NFC

In 1985, Joe Montana once again achieved the highest passer rating in the National Football Conference (NFC), demonstrating his consistency and skill.

1986: NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award

In 1986, Joe Montana was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a severe back injury sustained earlier in the season.

1987: First-Team All-Pro and Highest Passer Rating

In 1987, Joe Montana was voted first-team All-Pro and had the highest passer rating in both the NFL and the National Football Conference (NFC).

1989: Named NFL Most Valuable Player

In 1989, Joe Montana was named the NFL Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performance throughout the season.

1990: Named NFL Most Valuable Player

In 1990, Joe Montana was once again named the NFL Most Valuable Player, marking consecutive years with the prestigious award.

1994: Named to NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

In 1994, Joe Montana earned a spot on the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, solidifying his place among the greatest players in NFL history.

1999: Ranked Among Football's Greatest Players

In 1999, The Sporting News ranked Joe Montana third on their list of Football's 100 Greatest Players, and ESPN named him the 25th greatest athlete of the 20th century.